Anurag Kashyap Faces Legal Firestorm Over Alleged Casteist Remark

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap is embroiled in controversy after allegedly posting a casteist remark targeting the Brahmin community on social media, triggering legal complaints in Mumbai and Indore. The comment, “Brahmin pe main mootoonga .. koi problem?”, surfaced in response to a user’s remark and has been condemned as offensive, prompting advocate Ashutosh J. Dubey to file a complaint with Mumbai Police on April 18. Dubey, a BJP Maharashtra legal advisor, labeled the statement “hateful” and a breach of constitutional values, urging an FIR for its potential to stir communal discord. In Indore, Anoop Shukla lodged a similar complaint, with MG Road Police Station confirming an ongoing investigation.

The backlash is tied to Kashyap’s support for Phule, a biopic on social reformers Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule, which faced protests from Brahmin groups in Maharashtra over alleged misrepresentation. Kashyap’s criticism of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for delaying the film’s release fueled tensions. The CBFC issued a ‘U’ certificate on April 7, mandating edits like removing caste-specific terms and revising a reference to historical oppression, pushing the film’s release from April 11 to April 25. The controversy has amplified scrutiny of Kashyap’s social media conduct, with advocate Ashish Rai also demanding action, citing Supreme Court guidelines on hate speech.

In response, Kashyap apologized on Instagram late Friday, clarifying that his regret was solely for the disputed comment, which he claimed was misconstrued. He disclosed receiving rape and death threats against his daughter, family, and colleagues, urging detractors to target him alone. While standing by his broader post, Kashyap condemned the threats and called for restraint. Mumbai Police have yet to comment on the complaints, and no FIR has been confirmed. The episode highlights fraught debates over caste, free expression, and cinematic portrayals in India.